Aston Villa target Chelsea star to replace Arsenal signing Ezri Konsa | Football

Aston Villa have reportedly entered the race for a Chelsea star as they look to replace Ezri Konsa ahead of his transfer to Arsenal.

Two days before the start of new Premier League season, it was reported that the Gunners had struck a deal to sign the England international for an initial £51million.

Konsa, a centre-back also capable of playing on the right, had emerged as Mikel Arteta’s top defensive target in light of injuries to William Saliba and Jurrien Timber.

While a boost for Arsenal, it is yet another massive transfer blow for Villa who have seen the core of their team ripped apart this summer, with Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne departing.

It could yet get worse for Unai Emery, with Emiliano Martinez almost certain to leave, while Ollie Watkins is keen on a move to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.

For now, Villa’s focus is on replacing Konsa and, according to Sky Sports, they are interested in Tosin Adarabioyo, who is surplus to requirements at Chelsea.

Tosin joined the Blues in 2024, moving across west London from Fulham on a free transfer, but has failed to establish himself in the first-team, making just 16 appearances in the Premier League last season.

While he has featured in pre-season under Xabi Alonso, he was left out of the squad entirely for the final friendly against Real Sociedad last week, a clear indication he is not wanted at Stamford Bridge.

The 28-year-old has been the subject of interest from Benfica, now managed by his former Fulham boss Marco Silva, but reports suggest he is not keen on the move.

Marseille and Sevilla are also interested in the Englishman, and the French club have already made an approach for the Manchester City academy graduate.

It is not known how much Chelsea would want for Tosin, who has two years left on his contract.

He is not the only centre-back the Blues are trying to offload before deadline day, with Mamadou Sarr, Aarón Anselmino and Axel Disasi, who was previously loaned to Villa Park, on the transfer list.

Villa kick-off their Premier League campaign away to Brighton on Sunday.

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